Basingstoke 2 Margate 1

A BATTLING performance by Margate went unrewarded in Hampshire on Saturday, as they suffered their sixth Nationwide South away defeat of the season.

Even home manager Ernie Howe admitted his side were made to work hard for the win, but that will prove little consolation to Chris Kinnear who felt his team were the better side.

He said: "I think Basingstoke had three shots in the game, and won the match on one of their rare breakaways. I was very disappointed with the result, but pleased with the performance. At 1-1 they seemed to be happy to hang on."

Not for the first time this season Margate conceded a late goal. Eight minutes remained when Martin Whiddett headed the winner, climbing at the far post to head in Toby Sumner's corner.

Che Stadhart failed to get on the score-sheet for the first time in seven games, but strike partner Rocky Baptiste's excellent solo effort got Margate back on level terms.

Kinnear included Greg Oates for his first start following a recent knee injury, and Margate goalkeeper Peter Trego had to save at the second attempt to keep out a cross-cum-shot by Christian Lewis.

Basingstoke took the lead five minutes later with a goal out of nothing. Brett Cooper let fly with a tremendous 30 yard strike that gave Trego no chance.

Adrian Clarke and Baptiste each went close twice, before Stadhart was denied by home 'keeper Scott Tarr who touched his header onto a post. Then Margate's top scorer saw another effort kept out.

Baptiste then fired a 20-yard effort over the bar after 52 minutes, before he grabbed Margate's equaliser. Ross Smith made it with a superb pass, putting Baptiste away down the left, and his control and pace took him past his markers before beating Tarr.

Kinnear must have had high hopes of seeing Margate extend their unbeaten league run, only for Whidett to snatch the 82nd-minute decider. The result leaves Margate in 12th place, ahead of two successive home games against early season pacesetters Hornchurch and Lewes.

Kinnear admitted his frustration to KM-fm after the match...